Tokyo Gotokuji Temple

I started my journey from Yokohama, taking the Tokyu Toyoko Line Limited Express to Shibuya, then transferring to the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line Local to Chuo-Rinkan, getting off at Sangenjaya Station. From there, I took the Tokyu Setagaya Line Local to Shimo-Takaido, getting off at Miyanosaka Station. It was about a three-minute walk to Gotokuji Temple. I arrived early because I wanted to buy a lucky cat figurine, which goes on sale at 8 AM. When I arrived, there were already Japanese people in line, buying the largest lucky cat figurines! If you want to ride the Tokyu Setagaya Line's lucky cat train, you need to check the departure times on the day. I didn't manage to catch it, but I did see it pass by, and it was incredibly cute! Gotokuji Temple was built in 1480 and has a long history. In 1633, during the Edo period, the Ii family, lords of the Hikone Domain, converted it into their family temple in Edo, naming it after the posthumous Buddhist name of Ii Naotaka, 'Kyushoinden Gotokuten'eikyoji.' This is how the name Gotokuji was passed down. According to legend, Ii Naotaka once followed a cat into the temple to take shelter from the rain and listened to a monk's sermon, which made him very happy. He then decided to build the Shofukuden Hall and enshrine the Maneki-Neko Kannon (Lucky Cat Goddess). This story made Gotokuji's lucky cats a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Every year, many people come here to pray for family safety, business success, and the fulfillment of their wishes. The temple grounds are quite large, with areas dedicated to the Shofukuden Hall and the lucky cat figurines, as well as the Ii family cemetery, which includes the main hall and other buildings. The entire environment is very peaceful. Gotokuji Temple is beautiful in all seasons, with plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peonies, and hydrangeas, offering different scenery throughout the year. The lucky cat display area is divided into two sections. Although the space is not very large, seeing so many lucky cats is still very exciting! Some of the lucky cats are even dressed in cute outfits, which is incredibly healing. The lucky cats range in size from the smallest 'Mame' to the largest 'Shaku.' If you want to buy a lucky cat, it's recommended to start with a small size and gradually move to larger ones as your wishes come true, with the ultimate goal of bringing home the largest lucky cat to bless yourself with good fortune! 📍Address: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 🕰️Hours: 06:00~18:00 (until 17:00 from late September to late March) Temple Office Hours: 08:00~17:00 (until 16:30 from late September to late March)